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Mugglenet.com's Harry Potter Should Have Died: Controversial Views from the #1 Fan Site
HARRY POTTER DIDN'T DIE.
The seventh and final book is out, but fans still fiercely debate the many controversial issues left unresolved. Now, the experts at MuggleNet.com argue passionately about what really happened and what should have happened.
� Would the series be stronger if Harry hadn’t survived?
� Should we pity Voldemort or hate him?
� Is Severus Snape really a hero?
� Should J.K. Rowling have left Dumbledore’s gay sexual orientation a secret?
� Did Harry actually die in Deathly Hallows?
� Were the Slytherins too demonized, the Hufflepuffs too lame, and the Gryffindors too glorified?
� Should J.K.R. write more Harry Potter novels or go out on top?
The seventh and final book is out, but fans still fiercely debate the many controversial issues left unresolved. Now, the experts at MuggleNet.com argue passionately about what really happened and what should have happened.
� Would the series be stronger if Harry hadn’t survived?
� Should we pity Voldemort or hate him?
� Is Severus Snape really a hero?
� Should J.K. Rowling have left Dumbledore’s gay sexual orientation a secret?
� Did Harry actually die in Deathly Hallows?
� Were the Slytherins too demonized, the Hufflepuffs too lame, and the Gryffindors too glorified?
� Should J.K.R. write more Harry Potter novels or go out on top?
187 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
28 people are currently reading
3,533 people want to read
About the author
Emerson Spartz
5Ìýbooks14ÌýfollowersSpartz founded the Harry Potter site at age 12 in 1999.
He co-authored books about the Harry Potter series.
He is the CEO of Spartz media. Spartz media have many interests. In January 2010 Spartz launched OMG Facts. OMG-Facts.com receives 30 million monthly page views, has 500,000 subscribers on YouTube,and 4.5 million followers on Twitter
He graduated in May 2009 with a degree in management from the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 17, 2012
I bought this book cos I enjoy the Mugglenet website and usually find pretty entertaining things there; but I have to admit I was pretty disappointed with this book.
There are a great deal of insightful and thought-provoking essays and editorials on the Mugglenet site for people who enjoy digging into different aspects of the Harry Potter world, and many of them have led me to see certain situations, relationships etc in a different light.
I thought this book would be more of the same. But I was very wrong.
My biggest complaint here is language; the book reads as though it were written by an eighth grader for fellow eighth graders. It follows a pretty boring question/answer format where they provide a "for" and "against" argument and then take their own stance whereas I expected a more flowing, essay type format which wouldn't take such black and white stances on things.
Also, some of the questions are moronic... Clearly they're meant to be a detour from the "serious" questions about Snape and the dehumanizing of Slytherins and Harry being a Horcrux, but it comes off as annoying and sloppy. An example of one such question: "Would you rather make out with Voldemort or a Dementor?"
I mean, why?
This all might be my own fault for not reading a synopsis or glancing inside the book before I bought it.
Final word: Stick with the website; there's infinitely better writing and content there.
There are a great deal of insightful and thought-provoking essays and editorials on the Mugglenet site for people who enjoy digging into different aspects of the Harry Potter world, and many of them have led me to see certain situations, relationships etc in a different light.
I thought this book would be more of the same. But I was very wrong.
My biggest complaint here is language; the book reads as though it were written by an eighth grader for fellow eighth graders. It follows a pretty boring question/answer format where they provide a "for" and "against" argument and then take their own stance whereas I expected a more flowing, essay type format which wouldn't take such black and white stances on things.
Also, some of the questions are moronic... Clearly they're meant to be a detour from the "serious" questions about Snape and the dehumanizing of Slytherins and Harry being a Horcrux, but it comes off as annoying and sloppy. An example of one such question: "Would you rather make out with Voldemort or a Dementor?"
I mean, why?
This all might be my own fault for not reading a synopsis or glancing inside the book before I bought it.
Final word: Stick with the website; there's infinitely better writing and content there.
April 22, 2010
An okay book but the title gives away the ending to anyone who hadn't finished the books.
July 28, 2009
It is rare that I don't like a book and even rarer still that I reutrn a book to the bookstore for refund or exchange. I did so with this book.
From reading the back of the book, I was expecting the book to be theological discussion on elements of the series of Harry Potter books. I was expecting a deep look into the mythos of the series and the elements of symbolism and magic.
Well, my expectations seemed to have been too high for this book. Each chapter is set up thusly: A Question, an argument for Yes and for No and the verdict of the authors.
Well, while some questions were valid (Did Harry Potter die in Deathly Hallows?) others, such as "Who would you rather make out with: a Demontor or Voldemort?" or "Would you rather shave Hagrid's back or give Voldemort a foot massage?" left me shaking my head.
Instead of a really in depth look at the series, we are presented with a random series of questions with no order and answers with little to no substance. In fact, in reading the book, it felt as if I was in the middle of a flame war on a message board. Not a comfortable reading experience.
The authors previous book, Mugglenet.com's What Will Happen in Harry Potter Seven, was only a NYT Best Seller because people were so desperate to find out what would happen at the end of the series.
I highly doubt the authors will achieve such a feat with this book. I was incredibly disappointed with Harry Potter Should Have Died. Proceeds from the sale of the book are going to charity, but I still wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
From reading the back of the book, I was expecting the book to be theological discussion on elements of the series of Harry Potter books. I was expecting a deep look into the mythos of the series and the elements of symbolism and magic.
Well, my expectations seemed to have been too high for this book. Each chapter is set up thusly: A Question, an argument for Yes and for No and the verdict of the authors.
Well, while some questions were valid (Did Harry Potter die in Deathly Hallows?) others, such as "Who would you rather make out with: a Demontor or Voldemort?" or "Would you rather shave Hagrid's back or give Voldemort a foot massage?" left me shaking my head.
Instead of a really in depth look at the series, we are presented with a random series of questions with no order and answers with little to no substance. In fact, in reading the book, it felt as if I was in the middle of a flame war on a message board. Not a comfortable reading experience.
The authors previous book, Mugglenet.com's What Will Happen in Harry Potter Seven, was only a NYT Best Seller because people were so desperate to find out what would happen at the end of the series.
I highly doubt the authors will achieve such a feat with this book. I was incredibly disappointed with Harry Potter Should Have Died. Proceeds from the sale of the book are going to charity, but I still wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
July 13, 2011
I wanted this book for the obvious reason of a Harry Potter obsession, but also because I do read the mugglenet.com site fairly often. They know what they are talking about and are an entertaining bunch. Most of the questions/discussions in this book I've had with other die-hard friends or even friends who were just slightly interested in hearing more about the books/movies. The book had decent questions, some being a little odd, another example besides the one in my status, "Would you rather shave Hagrid's back or give Voldemort a foot massage?" They weren't all silly though, they talk about Slytherin's maybe being too demonized and Dumbledore thinking Hogwarts "sorts too soon." The questions can be hard to answer because you can see it from both point of views and that's the best thing about the book, it's ability to make you think. I do not recommend this book if you aren't at least slightly obsessed, because I could definitely see this getting boring for someone. I also don't recommend it if you're the type of fan who doesn't like other opinions and get upset when people don't agree with yours, because there were quite a few verdicts in the book where I really didn't agree, but you know, "Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open."
June 27, 2010
Nice book for hardcore Harry Potter fans. The book discusses (both sides) numerous controversial HP topics such as: are the Slytherins too demonized? (I have to say yes), is the epilogue a letdown? (no, I don't think so), who helps Harry more on his quest: Ron or Hermione? (Hermione of course even if she broke his wand), which is the best book (toss up between GOF or DH for me), is Voldemort the most evil fictional character ever? (ever, no, but he did try to kill a baby and that's pretty evil), are the HP books for adults or children? (I have to say adults but for some reason those kids seem to like 'em) and MANY more Harry Potter debate topics. Feel free to debate these topics with me!
January 16, 2018
It's an interesting concept, and it was fun for some of the topics to read the arguments, but really this is something that could have been easily done online (no published book needed). I'm a bit disappointed that the book was published before the end of the movie franchise because some of the arguments do revolve around the films and without all of them represented it's not a fair assessment. Not bad for any die-hard Harry Potter fan!
August 25, 2018
Book #67 Read in 2018
Harry Potter Should Have Died
This is a book from the Mugglenet.com people. Each section asks a question, gives each side of the answers to the question and then hands down a verdict. It refers to the books and the movies. This is a great read for Harry Potter fans and will let them revisit their time at Hogwarts. I borrowed this book from the public library.
Harry Potter Should Have Died
This is a book from the Mugglenet.com people. Each section asks a question, gives each side of the answers to the question and then hands down a verdict. It refers to the books and the movies. This is a great read for Harry Potter fans and will let them revisit their time at Hogwarts. I borrowed this book from the public library.
October 31, 2010
Harry Potter Should Have Died by Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen
Ulysses Press, 2009
187 pages
Non-fiction; Harry Potter
2.5/5 stars
Source: Library
Summary: Short essays arguing various points of HP fandom: such as best book, should Harry have died, viewpoints on Snape as well as more frivolous topics such as would you rather make-out with Voldemort or a dementor?
Thoughts: I like the title because I kind of did want Harry to die AND it would have spared us that awful epilogue (sorry I hate H/G and H/R)
They describe Polyjuice Potion as easy to make because Hermione was able to make it in her second year. Um, that's because she's brilliant and even then it takes months of being particularly vigilant in order to successfully create the potion.
I had a big problem with one of their verdicts-GOF as the best HP book. That only works if you define "best" as a book that tries to bridge between the first three and the last three but is instead disorienting, confusing, and unenjoyable. I hate GOF-it does not function as a great middle book (although generally the middle book of trilogies sucks and that is applicable here). Plus only PoA, GOF, and DH are debated. What about the fantastic introduction to the magic world in SS/PS? How about the intriguing mystery in CoS? The general epicness of OotP? And I personally love all of the Tom Riddle backstory in HBP. And they end up declaring OotP as the worst book! Inconceivable!
Not well written-I think it would have worked in online format but as a book, I expect more.
Overall: Poorly written with some shaky conclusions drawn. Not recommended.
Cover: It's okay-not outstanding.
Ulysses Press, 2009
187 pages
Non-fiction; Harry Potter
2.5/5 stars
Source: Library
Summary: Short essays arguing various points of HP fandom: such as best book, should Harry have died, viewpoints on Snape as well as more frivolous topics such as would you rather make-out with Voldemort or a dementor?
Thoughts: I like the title because I kind of did want Harry to die AND it would have spared us that awful epilogue (sorry I hate H/G and H/R)
They describe Polyjuice Potion as easy to make because Hermione was able to make it in her second year. Um, that's because she's brilliant and even then it takes months of being particularly vigilant in order to successfully create the potion.
I had a big problem with one of their verdicts-GOF as the best HP book. That only works if you define "best" as a book that tries to bridge between the first three and the last three but is instead disorienting, confusing, and unenjoyable. I hate GOF-it does not function as a great middle book (although generally the middle book of trilogies sucks and that is applicable here). Plus only PoA, GOF, and DH are debated. What about the fantastic introduction to the magic world in SS/PS? How about the intriguing mystery in CoS? The general epicness of OotP? And I personally love all of the Tom Riddle backstory in HBP. And they end up declaring OotP as the worst book! Inconceivable!
Not well written-I think it would have worked in online format but as a book, I expect more.
Overall: Poorly written with some shaky conclusions drawn. Not recommended.
Cover: It's okay-not outstanding.
August 5, 2016
Is it sad I forgot I had this book on my Kobo for over a year now? Probably more sad that I forgot I had a Kobo for just as long.
I don't post a ton of reviews, but I was pretty disappointed in this book. First of all, many of the views aren't "controversial." Some of them, yes, but there were much more interesting topics they could've explored, such as whether or not Dumbledore was a good guy. Instead there's "Would you rather give Voldemort a foot massage or shave Hagrid's back?"
Second, some of the verdicts presented in this book are clearly incredibly biased, and I'm not entirely sure who got to decide them. One goes as far as to say that the Gryffindor house isn't glorified (which, if you've even just seen the first movie and literally nothing else, you can clearly see is false). If they used polls, that would make sense, but I think the authors just decided which answers they liked best. I actually agreed with most of the verdicts, I just thought it was odd, especially coming from Mugglenet because it seems that they're claiming their opinion is the be-all and end-all.
Third, some of the explanations in this book seemed entirely based off of the movies or as if the authors got a secondhand summary of the books from a friend. Many of the characterizations are shockingly inaccurate (Ron, Tonks, Lupin, etc), as if maybe they did read the books but didn't quite understand the content.
Mugglenet should be really embarrassed that this book is in their name, I expect better from them.
I don't post a ton of reviews, but I was pretty disappointed in this book. First of all, many of the views aren't "controversial." Some of them, yes, but there were much more interesting topics they could've explored, such as whether or not Dumbledore was a good guy. Instead there's "Would you rather give Voldemort a foot massage or shave Hagrid's back?"
Second, some of the verdicts presented in this book are clearly incredibly biased, and I'm not entirely sure who got to decide them. One goes as far as to say that the Gryffindor house isn't glorified (which, if you've even just seen the first movie and literally nothing else, you can clearly see is false). If they used polls, that would make sense, but I think the authors just decided which answers they liked best. I actually agreed with most of the verdicts, I just thought it was odd, especially coming from Mugglenet because it seems that they're claiming their opinion is the be-all and end-all.
Third, some of the explanations in this book seemed entirely based off of the movies or as if the authors got a secondhand summary of the books from a friend. Many of the characterizations are shockingly inaccurate (Ron, Tonks, Lupin, etc), as if maybe they did read the books but didn't quite understand the content.
Mugglenet should be really embarrassed that this book is in their name, I expect better from them.
May 24, 2012
Sorry boys - I really, really wanted to enjoy this book. To be clear, I admire the hell out of the authors Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen. To accomplish what they have at such a young age is pretty incredible, and I have always really enjoyed Ben on Mugglecast and Hype. But I felt like I was reading a bunch of lower-high school persuasive essays.. I think now I know how it feels to be an 8th-grade English teacher and I don't envy the job. I guess I expected something more scholarly or at least less colloquial. Some of the topics were really well chosen, but fell flat in the arguments. Some of the topics ("Would you rather shave Hagrid's back or give Voldemort a foot massage?" comes to mind) were way past humorous to just ridiculous. I really struggled through this book and I felt guilty about it the whole time. I think I'll stick to your beautifully-designed websites and hilarious podcasts in the future.
July 16, 2009
This book created an intense desire in me to re-read all the books. Also I just really wanted the two authors to be in the same room with me so that I could debate their views with them - particularly in the cases (which were admittedly few) where I completely and absolutely disagreed with them. Order of the Phoenix the worst book? Granted Harry was a bit of a prat at the beginning, but you've got the Snape Occlumency scenes, Dolores Umbridge, the Weasley's escape from Hogwarts, Dumbledore's Army, and a number of other things that are absolutely among the best in the whole series.
And the bottom half of page 172? Absolutely hilarious!
And the bottom half of page 172? Absolutely hilarious!
December 31, 2009
I did enjoy reading this book. I definitely respect and enjoy the opinions of the Mugglenet staff, and love the witty and affectionate tone of the book from authors who truly love the series.
My only real disappointment came from the fact that I anticipated an analysis that was much deeper. A lot of the points made felt a bit rushed and superficial in explanation, and despite the fact that I enjoyed the debate, it didn't go to the level I was expecting. Harry Potter contains such a complex fictional world with so many layers that I was hoping this book would delve into them. The book's description got me really excited to read it, but the analysis never lived up to it.
My only real disappointment came from the fact that I anticipated an analysis that was much deeper. A lot of the points made felt a bit rushed and superficial in explanation, and despite the fact that I enjoyed the debate, it didn't go to the level I was expecting. Harry Potter contains such a complex fictional world with so many layers that I was hoping this book would delve into them. The book's description got me really excited to read it, but the analysis never lived up to it.
February 13, 2012
For the most part, this was a pretty fun read. Some of the topics were more thought out than others. Some of the interesting topics included whether or not house elves and goblins should be able to carry wands, stereotypes of females, and whether we should feel sorry for Voldemort or simply hate him.
Other chapters were downright silly. Choosing between shaving Hagrid's back or rubbing Voldemort's feet is one example. The choice between a make out session with Voldemort or a Death Eater is another. While these chapters were entertaining, I enjoyed those of a more serious nature more.
Other chapters were downright silly. Choosing between shaving Hagrid's back or rubbing Voldemort's feet is one example. The choice between a make out session with Voldemort or a Death Eater is another. While these chapters were entertaining, I enjoyed those of a more serious nature more.
September 2, 2009
Despite the 'provocative' title, the book isn't really pushing the definitive, "controversial" arguments its cover promises. Some of the questions are repetitive, the verdicts are totally unnecessary, and the writing is at times unpolished and irritating. It would all probably benefit from its usual forum: the internet.
But it does serve as a nice return to the series. For some, Harry Potter will never be over. XD
But it does serve as a nice return to the series. For some, Harry Potter will never be over. XD
July 20, 2009
This book is so much more funny than I thought it would be. I thought it would just be a normal debate-type thing, but they spun everything off into a humorous way.
If you're a Harry Potter nerd like me, you'll enjoy it.
If you're a Harry Potter nerd like me, you'll enjoy it.
January 26, 2010
Very interesting to hear takes on some of the serious undertones of the book, and some silly ones too. The topics are varied and the format, usually a max of about three pages per question, means it's easy to power through. But also easy to put down and never pick up again.
Want to read
July 13, 2022literally never tired of people shitting on that epilogue. also fully prepared for some of the most accidentally racist takes i've ever read <3 harry potter
July 14, 2009
Pure fun...need-more-Harry-Potter...
October 15, 2018
It was a fun read. There were a few silly questions (would you rather shave Hagrid's back or give Voldemort a foot massage?) and some of the arguments were not so convincing because the writer did not agree with that position (all the questions were debated from both sides), but overall there were some questions that were interesting to think about (e.g. is Dumbledore right that Hogwarts "sorts too soon"? or does the Secret-Keeper information revealed in Deathly Hallows contradict the previous rules about Secret-Keepers?). These kinds of debates reminded me of the kind that Buffy fans were having in online forums -- but those were much more sophisticated episode readings of the visual symbolism and plot lines of that show.
June 2, 2019
MuggleNet is truly the #1 Harry Potter site and while lately their articles are biased to the point of being unreadable, they are very knowledgeable of the PotterVerse. This book was published following the seventh book and before the movies were completed so there is some speculation as far as that portrayal as well as pre-Cursed Child era.
I enjoyed reading through these debates! Well, most of them. There were some silly questions peppered in, but on the whole there were intriguing "views" for debate. I really appreciated them presenting both sides of the arguments for each case giving readers time to really sift through the info presented to make a stance. Definitely a good read for HP fans.
I enjoyed reading through these debates! Well, most of them. There were some silly questions peppered in, but on the whole there were intriguing "views" for debate. I really appreciated them presenting both sides of the arguments for each case giving readers time to really sift through the info presented to make a stance. Definitely a good read for HP fans.
February 27, 2020
3.5 stars
This is dated, but still a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the different topics discussed in the book, but so much is left out. For example, it discusses which character death is the saddest, but Hedwig and Fred are not even mentioned! I think this book is great to have on hand at any Harry Potter fan gathering, as it can help to spark conversation.
I did really enjoy the witty and punny writing style. Although, you can tell two young men are the authors. Some things just didn't sit right with me in 2020.
This is dated, but still a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the different topics discussed in the book, but so much is left out. For example, it discusses which character death is the saddest, but Hedwig and Fred are not even mentioned! I think this book is great to have on hand at any Harry Potter fan gathering, as it can help to spark conversation.
I did really enjoy the witty and punny writing style. Although, you can tell two young men are the authors. Some things just didn't sit right with me in 2020.
June 25, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, but it was just terrible. I'd hoped for some really interesting analysis, but it was just a rehashing of personal opinions with arbitrary "verdicts" for each question. Don't waste your time.
July 23, 2022
This was a very fascinating book to read, and while I didn't agree with some of the "winners" of each argument it was interesting to read both sides of what people's thoughts were on each topic. I will definitely be re-read this many more times.
August 6, 2017
Poor writing for the most part, interesting arguments. Many of the short "essays" came off as written by a high schooler.
September 12, 2017
Total fluff, but entertaining and made me nostalgic for the books themselves.
February 15, 2021
Not the most well written but definitely made me want to read the Harry Potter series again, and consider some viewpoints I never would have in the first place
August 18, 2024
Sophomoric
September 23, 2009
I liked their previous book, , so I gave this one a try. But this one wasn't great.
The book is a collection of 60 topics that are, apparently, still debated by fans. Each one is a page or two explaining the various sides of the debate and then the authors sum it up with their own verdict. Some of the topics involve serious analysis, like whether Harry actually dies in book 7. Some are not about the books per se, such as whether should have revealed Dumbledore's sexual orientation. A lot are just opinions, such as which book is worst or which battle scene is best. And some involve the movies, such as which is the best movie or the cheesiest movie scene. Some just seem like childish space fillers, like "would you rather kiss Voldemort or a Dementor?"
Since I don't follow the online discussions, I am not aware of what topics are still being debated among Harry Potter fans, so the book is at least a good list of those topics -- but that can be accomplished in a few pages, and doesn't require a whole book. The explanations of the topics do include references (to the books, interviews, etc) and often make interesting points, but those were sparse, so I felt like the book was much longer than it needed to be. As with the previous book, it was an easy read because of the simple language and also the repetitive style, particularly with the verdict section at the end of each topic which would summarize the points just made.
The book is a collection of 60 topics that are, apparently, still debated by fans. Each one is a page or two explaining the various sides of the debate and then the authors sum it up with their own verdict. Some of the topics involve serious analysis, like whether Harry actually dies in book 7. Some are not about the books per se, such as whether should have revealed Dumbledore's sexual orientation. A lot are just opinions, such as which book is worst or which battle scene is best. And some involve the movies, such as which is the best movie or the cheesiest movie scene. Some just seem like childish space fillers, like "would you rather kiss Voldemort or a Dementor?"
Since I don't follow the online discussions, I am not aware of what topics are still being debated among Harry Potter fans, so the book is at least a good list of those topics -- but that can be accomplished in a few pages, and doesn't require a whole book. The explanations of the topics do include references (to the books, interviews, etc) and often make interesting points, but those were sparse, so I felt like the book was much longer than it needed to be. As with the previous book, it was an easy read because of the simple language and also the repetitive style, particularly with the verdict section at the end of each topic which would summarize the points just made.
February 8, 2017
This book is pretty much brilliant. Ben and Emerson weren't lying when they said that MuggleNet is famous for being opinionated. Being the Harry Potter nerd that I am, I rarely get to hash out Harry Potter topics anymore, but this book was both informative and controversial. I found myself nodding my head in agreement at times, and then shaking my head in frustration at others. I strongly disagreed with a lot of the verdicts, but that almost made reading the book more fun.
The book isn't perfect, however. The writing isn't stellar (nor is the editing), some of the opposing arguments were still very one-sided, and some of the arguments were just plain irrelevant. And, some of the topics they argue—such as the Harry/Ron/Hermione love interests and whether the Trio was responsible for Snape's death—seem to have been brought up simply for the sake of arguing and taking up more space. It would surprise me if either of those issues were actually debated among fans. And it also bugs me that Ben and Emerson are so against traditional values such as marriage and family. It is not stereotypical for a woman to get married and have children—it is normal. Tonks and Ginny didn't throw their lives away, and Mrs. Weasley certainly had a life outside the Burrow.
But all in all, I think Ben and Emerson accomplished their goal: I wholeheartedly agreed with some of their arguments, and I was disgusted with many of them. Some of their arguments were so well argued that I had almost changed my mind by the time I got to the verdict. This book was intellectually stimulating and quite entertaining. It is going in my Harry Potter trunk with my precious Harry Potter books.
The book isn't perfect, however. The writing isn't stellar (nor is the editing), some of the opposing arguments were still very one-sided, and some of the arguments were just plain irrelevant. And, some of the topics they argue—such as the Harry/Ron/Hermione love interests and whether the Trio was responsible for Snape's death—seem to have been brought up simply for the sake of arguing and taking up more space. It would surprise me if either of those issues were actually debated among fans. And it also bugs me that Ben and Emerson are so against traditional values such as marriage and family. It is not stereotypical for a woman to get married and have children—it is normal. Tonks and Ginny didn't throw their lives away, and Mrs. Weasley certainly had a life outside the Burrow.
But all in all, I think Ben and Emerson accomplished their goal: I wholeheartedly agreed with some of their arguments, and I was disgusted with many of them. Some of their arguments were so well argued that I had almost changed my mind by the time I got to the verdict. This book was intellectually stimulating and quite entertaining. It is going in my Harry Potter trunk with my precious Harry Potter books.
August 6, 2009
In their return book, Ben Schoen and Emerson Spartz decide to go for an interesting Q&A debate format. As they mention in the opening (which, by the way, incorrectly names the podcast 'MuggleSpace', which gets on my nerves), many of their views will get on your nerves, and I may be paraphrasing on that one. I found myself continually asking "Did they really have to go there?" and raging at the book. I almost felt like some of the debates, if not all, would have been better off if they'd been argued by fans, leaving the end result ambiguous and up to the reader to decide, as opposed to giving definite answers. The arguments are quick, concise, and compelling, sure to keep your attention in their fun, conversational tones. It really made me wonder what JK Rowling herself would think of some of these arguments, and I almost feel like there'd be some she'd certainly disagree with, although I won't pretend to know how she thinks. I think the one argument that bothered me most of all (and there were many) was the titular one, Should Harry Potter Have Died? I don't know, I kind of feel like if you're going to name your book Harry Potter Should Have Died, that should also be the conclusion you should reach in your debate, as opposed to "Harry should have lived." Maybe that's just me.
Rating: 4/5
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